Ownership is mine, now I am not landless

Som Maya Bhandari of Helambu Rural
Municipality ward no 2, kiul is a stereo typical example of women being a mere
object of patriarchal society. She and her family of 5 were amply affected by
the quake her mother in law was deceased in the disaster. Her husband being an
alcoholic all the families responsibility came on the shoulders of bhandari.
Quake had affected their income as well. Trouble was increasing in alarming
rate. Regular skirmishes in home resulted in her children bunking school on
regular basis. Bhandari adds "If it wasn't for my children I would long
left the house, but for my children better future is what made me endure all
the traumas for this long".

Family problems tolled up in an
uncontrollable manner. Livestock rearing was an only option for livelihood. She
had cognizance of it not being enough. This little income was captured by her
husband. Pressure arose in her household with some turning towards violence.

Government announced 3 lakh grants
for housing reconstruction. Dilemma on this grant being enough or not for
housing reconstruction always encompassed bhandari. Beneficiary card issued by
government was in husband's name. First tranche was issued. In this period
Helvetas announced for supporting in reconstruction of houses. Our ward was
selected for support. Serendipity we also got selected. Emotional strain
regarding reconstruction was uplifted. Now, Som Maya Bhandari has a disaster
resilient house.

Earlier bhandari had 4 ropani (1
hectare=0.05 rop) of land. Her husband sold it without her knowledge. The
money was also misused without her concern. Currently her house is constructed
in only 0.2 hectare of remaining ancestral property. Anxiety always surrounded
her that her husband would sell this land as well. Bhadnari shares"
There were many sleepless nights, fear always surrounded me. A constant grip of
reality regarding my children will be landless is what made me acquire joint
land ownership. Every day I use to hide ownership in place he couldn’t
find."

Sommaya adds "Discussion
regarding Joint land ownership started in community. I felt this joint land
ownership is for women like me. I joined the campaign and submitted all my
credentials. Receiving signature of my husband was whole new mountain to climb.
After persuasion and many rounds of discussion he agreed. Today I have
ownership of my house. I don’t have to hide the ownership inconstant fear. My
husband rehabilitation is redemption for him. But I can sleep in nights without
worrying about my children future thanks to JLO initiative."